Preparing for the Return of Evacuees
Thai authorities are making preparations to assist thousands of evacuees in returning home in the coming days as tensions along the border with Cambodia decrease. The situation in most areas along the border has stabilized following a 13-point ceasefire agreement signed by Thailand and Cambodia during meetings of the General Border Committee (GBC) in Kuala Lumpur.
Surin governor Chamnan Chuentha announced that transport is being arranged in coordination with shelters and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. The first phase of the return process will prioritize bedridden patients and those requiring special care. According to Mr. Chamnan, the return process is expected to take two to three days.
Current Conditions in Affected Areas
According to the governor, conditions in Sangkha district have fully returned to normal, while Kap Choeng, once a flashpoint, is also calm. Minor damage in parts of Prasat district is being repaired. In Phanom Dong Rak, most areas are safe, except Ta Miang and Bak Dai subdistricts, where the military remains on high alert.
Mr. Chamnan expressed hope that the state of emergency will be lifted soon to allow rehabilitation efforts to begin. He also urged the government to provide urgent income support for farmers whose livelihoods have been disrupted due to the conflict.
Ongoing Concerns and Measures
In neighboring Buri Ram, governor Chaiwat Chuntirapong has not yet authorized a full return, especially for vulnerable groups, pending confirmation from the 2nd Army Region. This decision comes despite the ceasefire agreement. However, many residents have already started returning on their own.
In Ban Kruat district, which was heavily affected, more than 240 artillery and rocket impacts were recorded. While most unexploded shells have been disabled, some remain in the area.
Deputy Defence Minister Natthaphon Nakphanich has asked the acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, to assign police and village security teams to protect evacuees' property. He warned residents not to return prematurely due to the danger of unexploded ordnance and has authorized local authorities to decide on returns without waiting for central government approval.
Additional Support and Measures
The Ministry of Public Health is providing mental health support for Border Patrol Police officers, who have reported high stress levels. It is also monitoring environmental hazards in the conflict zones. At least 3,000 sets of N95 masks and basic medicines are being distributed to frontline staff and residents, while water sources are being inspected to prevent disease outbreaks.
Mr. Phumtham is scheduled to visit Si Sa Ket on Saturday with Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa to inspect damage at key sites and meet evacuees. He emphasized that his visit should not burden the military, which is currently focused on its duties. He also plans to visit crowded evacuation centers to observe conditions.
Although the government has not yet issued a blanket order for people to return, Mr. Phumtham has instructed the 2nd Army Region to coordinate with four provincial governors to determine when residents can safely return home.
Assessment of Shelters and Aid Distribution
A cabinet committee will visit 12 shelters in Surin, Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram, and Ubon Ratchathani on Saturday and Sunday to assess damage for a second round of aid covering homes, farms, and livestock. According to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub, this assessment will help determine the next steps in aid distribution.